Parasites, predators and defence of fireflies and glow-worms
Day, John C. 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5483-4487.
2011
Parasites, predators and defence of fireflies and glow-worms.
Lampyrid, 1.
70-102.
Abstract/Summary
It has been argued that bioluminescence in fireflies and glow-worms (Lampyridae) presents a conspicuous signal to attract potential predators. If correct, luminescence should be naturally selected against; however this appears not to be the case. To counter this constant threat insects have developed a range of defensive mechanisms, either active or passive, that protect them from the threat of predation. Fireflies and glow-worms are no exception and it has been argued that defence mechanisms may in fact be enhanced by luminescence. This review examines a range of defence mechanisms identified in lampyrids including thanatosis or death feigning; camouflage or crypsis; chemical defence and aposematism. The predators, parasites and pathogens that seem to overcome these defences are highlighted: including large numbers of endosymbionts associated with lampyrids; beetle parasitoids; phorid flies and the Photuris ‘femme fatale’ fireflies.
| Item Type: | Publication - Article |
|---|---|
| Programmes: | CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biodiversity > BD Topic 2 - Ecological Processes in the Environment > BD - 2.2 - Quantify the impact of invasive species, pathogens ... |
| UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas: | Hails |
| ISSN: | 2041-4900 |
| Additional Keywords: | parasitism, predation, endosymbionts, molicutes, Wolbachia, lucibufagins, entomopathogens |
| NORA Subject Terms: | Biology and Microbiology |
| Date made live: | 07 Apr 2011 11:45 +0 (UTC) |
| URI: | https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/14007 |
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